Environmental award-winning Lodge set in 50 acres of wilderness alive with native birdsong. 

Arrive at The Resurgence.  Explore the 50-acre property with 3km of pathways or take an hour long walk to the magical source of the Riwaka River, the resurgence.  Come back for a dip in the pool before pre-dinner drinks with your hosts, Peter & Clare.  Join the other guests for a convivial evening with 4 courses of fresh seasonal local produce, lovingly prepared for you by Clare.   After dinner, soak in the outdoor hot tub gazing up at the magnificent stars and listening to the “morepork” native owls.   

Your day begins with a fast water taxi ride up to the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach. Paddling offshore we head to Tonga Island and its flourishing New Zealand fur seal colony. From there we kayak south experiencing the bush clad coastline, and hopefully spotting the shy little blue penguin. At beautiful Bark Bay our kayaking adventure finishes. 

This is where your walk begins. After time for lunch head off (unguided) to explore the flora and fauna of the New Zealand bush. Your walk (approx 2 1/2hrs) will take you over the swing bridge at Falls River, and will end at Torrent Bay, where your 4.00p.m. water taxi will pick you up and transfer you back to Marahau. 

Watch the sun set over the Abel Tasman as you dine out at a waterfront café in Marahau. 

Start the day with a leisurely drive over the hill to Golden Bay, where the pace of life is relaxed and arty.  Stop at galleries or for a short walk at Pupu Springs and lunch at the Mussel Inn.  As you turn the corner to Wharariki Beach, the protected bay gives way to a true west coast beach with crashing waves.  This is a great beach to ride—with its white sand and West Coast surf, it has it all. Ride through the caves and watch the seals and their babies play in the rock pools that are left after the tide has receded.  For the more adventurous, a canter down the beach is thrilling—the sound of your horse's hooves as they hit the sand and the sea breeze in your face is an awesome feeling! 

A fabulous trek, it takes you climbing above the beach and crossing over the lush green hills of the Puponga Farm Park.  It offers great views from the beach from many different angles and of the Kahurangi National Park.  

Stop off and buy some great local produce to cook up on your BBQ tonight.    

Day 3 Alternative: Bike & Wine             

After a leisurely start to the day, join Andreas at Bike Tasman’s Motueka base at 11am.  He will transport you to the top of the hill, guide you around the wineries and treat you to lunch before returning to Motueka.  The bike tour will take you along the beautiful Moutere Valley. You will be able to get a taste of the Tasman Region when visiting 3 to 4 of the local wineries and enjoy the beautiful scenery on your bike. 

***BLOW THE BUDGET OPTION***

Fly from Motueka over the magnificent wilderness of Kahurangi National Park with its majestic big trees and interesting kaast landscapes, over alpine tussock lands to the wild west coast with its nikau palms, long deserted beaches and crashing waves and back over Farewell Spit and the azure waters of the Abel Tasman.